Storm-Sparks Preview

After finding a measure of redemption in overtime, the Seattle Storm look to avenge a season-opening defeat.

Seattle seeks just its second win in its last eight road matchups with the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday in a meeting of the West's worst teams.

The Storm (6-9) defeated Washington 89-86 at home in overtime Sunday, three days after an 87-82 overtime loss to San Antonio.

"What happened Thursday night helped us tonight," coach Brian Agler said Sunday. "I could just see a little bit more grit and determination and persistence down the stretch."

Sue Bird finished with 21 points and forced overtime with a 3-pointer with 1:17 remaining, while Camille Little scored nine of her 22 points in the extra period. Little was 3 for 4 in overtime after missing all seven of her second-half shots.

Seattle hit a season high 12 3-pointers on 24 attempts. Bird was 3 for 7 while Shekinna Stricklen hit 4 of 6 and is 12 for 18 over her last four contests.

The Sparks (4-8) are shooting a league-worst 27.7 percent from 3-point range and are the only team below the Storm in the West, though they did claim an 80-69 victory in Seattle on May 16.

The Storm committed 19 turnovers in that matchup, but it's been Los Angeles struggling with giveaways lately. The Sparks had a season-high 23 turnovers in Sunday's 72-69 loss to the Stars and are averaging 16.2 while losing five of six.

Candace Parker had 17 points but accounted for seven of those turnovers Sunday after committing no more than four in a game this season.

"Way too many of them," coach Carol Ross said. "I thought when San Antonio went in their zone, it's that old basic fake-a-pass to make-a-pass. We were staring our targets down. We weren't getting hands on balls, and then we were trying to jam it in when people weren't open. We were just forcing. If it don't fit, don't force it. It's just basic basketball. I don't care what level it is. We just weren't very good with decision making in those instances."

Nneka Ogwumike had a season-high 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting with 11 rebounds. Jantel Lavender added 14 points and 13 rebounds but missed a shot after Danielle Robinson's go-ahead layup with eight seconds left for San Antonio.

Parker and Alana Beard combined for 35 points on 15-for-25 shooting for Los Angeles in the first matchup with Seattle while Little was held to eight points. Bird shot 2 for 8 with five turnovers and four assists.